Has David Miliband accepted EU post?

Emmeline Saunders writing at Politics.co.uk has revealed that a Labour source has told her that South Shields MP and Foreign Secretary David Miliband has accepted the post of EU High Representative of the EU Commission.

The foreign secretary could announce his new position within the next fortnight, triggering a by-election in his South Shields constituency seat which might be contested by Peter Mandelson.

The business secretary could even take over leadership of the party after what is widely anticipated to be a dire election result for Gordon Brown and Labour.

There is speculation within the Labour party that Lord Mandelson could become a caretaker leader after the general election – assuming Labour lose – for a single term, before handing power over to Mr Miliband, the source claimed.

Much the way that I saw David Miliband’s career developing too. All political parties in South Shields should be put on high alert!

Ladbrokes are not accepting bets on David Miliband. PP odds on Miliband now down to 2/1.

Update 18:45 November 6th.

Jonathan Isaby at Centre Right has heard that David Miliband is poised to quit the South Shields seat, and Karen Allen the Prospective Conservative Candidate for South Shields says Miliband’s departure could make way for “a new MP with solid roots in South Shields”.

South Shields Constituency Labour Party are having an important Executive committee meeting tonight, it is not known if this is routine or extraordinary. :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::